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Indus Motor Company to roll out hybrid electric vehicle despite challenges

KARACHI: Indus Motor Company (IMC) has reaffirmed its $100 million plan to roll out a locally assembled hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) despite an unfavourable economic situation, announced Chief Executive Ali Asghar Jamali on Wednesday. Addressing a presser at a local hotel, he said Toyota Cross will be unveiled early next year. He said hybrid technology will also result in the reduction of i

Roadmap in the offing to revive sick units

The commerce ministry announced on Wednesday that it would soon unveil a comprehensive plan to revive the closed textile industries within 30 days and expedite the payment of Rs323 billion in refunds to exporters. The ministry said it would present the plan and the roadmap within a month, after consulting with the stakeholders. As part of the plan, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will releas

Discos trim FCA to Rs1.58 for July on public outcry

Amid public criticism over efficiency and regulatory standards in the power sector resulting in unbearable electricity costs, the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) on Wednesday slightly lowered its demand for additional fuel cost adjustment (FCA) to Rs1.58 per unit — instead of Rs2.07 —for electricity consumed in July. At a public hearing organised by the National Electric Power Regulatory

Caretakers rule out relief in power bills

ISLAMABAD: In a reality check following almost week-long consultations, caretaker Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar on Wednesday told senators and the electricity consumers to “manage (their) expectations” raised by caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar for relief in excessive power bills, saying the country’s fiscal space did not permit any subsidy or relief. “Please manage your expect

Rupee’s plunge fuelling inflation, economic concerns

The consistent devaluation of the rupee is not only causing inflation but is also compelling the central bank to raise interest rates to mitigate the repercussions of uncontrolled depreciation of the local currency, according to bankers who manage exchange rates and imports. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported that the dollar appreciated by Rs1.40 to reach Rs304.45 in the inter-bank on We